Before & after.

Everybody brought a bunch of things to share and we all went to town creating. This was the first time I have ever made a wreath and it was so cool - we were all really glad that our friend Amy was there as our guide (she worked as a florist in another life) to get us all going in the right direction from the start. It seems to be all about the wire and the bunching .

I ended up making two - the one above and this one that's now hanging in the dining room.

Loved seeing how we all started with the same basic things to choose from and they all turned out so unique and beautiful. Next year I think I want to try incorporating some fruit (Amy put apples on hers and it was so cool). Maybe pomegranates.

My friend Shari (our fantastic hostess) also had these up on her wall - I love how she used photos on some of the boxes. So happy to see all kinds of interpretations on this - thanks again Martha for such a great idea:

Hoping to get lights up on the house tomorrow. Chris and Simon spent the day measuring how many lights we are really going to need for the festive look we imagine.

Kim

Barb Stewart

2007-11-25 15:46:20 -0500

Very pretty, Ali!
I don't have the traditional Holly available to me but I have a tree of the same family in my front yard that I just trimmed up this weekend...WOW, what great timing you have with your e-mails!! I would've never thought to do something like this! Hmmmm, this is going to be interesting...
If it turns out good, I'll send you a pic!

susan lyons

2007-11-25 17:23:13 -0500

I went to a wreath making party a few years ago and it was so fun and so rewarding. I LOVED my wreath. I wish we could do it again but my friend is still a florist and always so buys this time of year. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful day!

ShellyJ

Gretchyn

2007-11-26 02:32:35 -0500

Love the wreaths, Ali. Nice job! I am enjoying Christmas music myself today. I found a new Christmas cd from Joan Osborne this weekend at Borders. FANTASTIC. Love her voice. Also made a quick list of Christmas cd's that won't be coming home with me this year: Twisted Sister, Dr Demento, Sister Hazel to name a few. Enjoy your day-

O

2007-11-26 02:46:05 -0500

Such pretty wreaths & I'm lovin' your new blog header! Yummy! A wreath party sounds like so much fun. Never heard of one before but it'd be fun to have one (if only I knew someone to instruct! ;) ). Thanks for sharing your ideas here, Ali. The things I see here and in your new book (don't laugh) makes me want to weep because all of it speaks sooo loudly to my creative spirit but I feel so stifled for one reason or another. Thanks though for sharing the beauty of everyday life. :)

jamie

2007-11-26 05:01:22 -0500

as always continuing to inspire us all...
some questions...
first : did you use real or faux greens on your beautiful wreaths?
second : was visiting your cafe press store...any thoughts on a really cool design for a commuter mug? all you creative artists have these great mugs, but it would be awesome to have a commuter mug in one of your designs.
third : will you be adding any of your 'life artist' design to any of the cafe press products?
fourth : when does a 2008 calendar become available?
sorry to add to your day...curiosity overcame me and needed to ask.
have an awesome day!

Jill

Becky

2007-11-26 11:34:19 -0500

I just love all of your holiday crafts you have been posting. I can't wait to make my own versions.
I have a question for you....how do you display all the holiday cards you get during the holidays? I am looking for a fun & new way to display them.
Thanks!

Molly

2007-11-26 11:41:46 -0500

Oh, how I love those wreaths, Ali! WOW! And, I think I am going to go with the boxes...now off to Ben Franklin, again (is it bad when they know you by your first name and also know all of your kids, too??? ;) ). Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!